Track pump woes

[adrian]

Here's one from Idiots' Corner, so please bear with me.

This morning, and by no means for the first time, I wrecked an inner tube after pumping it up with my track pump. The problem occurs when I try to release the pump tube-end from the inner-tube valve. There's quite a bit of pressure locking it on and it needs a good tug to get it off. This makes me feel I'm doing something wrong. Am I missing a trick, or is it just a case of holding the inner-tube valve steady while I yank the tube-end off?

[Elliot M]

does it have a lever to lock the head onto the valve? if so maybe its broken and not disengaging?

[adrian]

No, it's just a barrel that slides on easily enough, but with the pressure built up by the pumping, it takes quite a bit of effort to get it off. That's why I keep damaging the inner tube around the valve.

[Grahame]

Perhaps one of these will help?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=2911
The locking lever has the added advantage that when you release it, the pressure in the hose is released making it easy to remove from the valve.
I've not torn a valve since switching to a trackpump with this arrangement of adapter (A Topeak Joe Blow Sport)

[adrian]

The pump I've got does have a partial release - the barrel has a spring system that leaves only the end on the valve - but I still have problems. I suppose I'll just have to hang on tighter to the valve, just as I do when pumping up with a hand pump. Thanks for your help.

(This morning I 'did' my wife's inner tube - I lied and said she had a common-or-garden existing flat. Now I'm wracked with guilt...)

[siwickm]

Sounds like you need a new track pump.

Cheers

MArek....

[Mike I]

I bought myself a box of 20 inner tubes and haven't had a flat since. Funny that.

[John Cochrane]

So I'm not the only one to have this problem. I try to get inner tubes with the long smooth valve. More to grip hold of when pulling off the pump.

[Snoop Doug]

I'm with John - I switched to inner tubes with the longest valve stem I could get - short ones kept tearing the tube when I took the pump off. For years I've lived with the insecurity that it was my mishandling of the equipment (oo err missus). Boy do I feel better after seeing this post.

Insecure Snoop

[David Lombari]

If your bike's getting punctures, Snoop, the best thing you can do is sweep the shed floor!

[Snoop Doug]

Boom Boom!! Nice one Dave. Didn't see YOU on the club run last week - my first attempt since the Ibbo ride I think - he he. Any road up - my shed is in tip top nick, how dare you suggest otherwise. After my stellar performance at the ACC Open 25 I've entered for the Bec CC Open on July 16th - hardcore mate!!!!

Hope you are well and I still have your wonderful book - I got no bids on Ebay.

Cheers - Snoop
Forza Engerland

[David Lombari]

Must get together for a drink at some point.

Forz'Italia.